Deepika Padukone launches 75 badminton centers on her father’s 70th birthday—read more

On the special occasion of her father's Prakash Padukone’s 70th birthday, actress Deepika Padukone launched 75 coaching centers under the Padukone School of Badminton (PSB) across 18 cities in India.

To operate in major cities
The initiative, which Deepika both founded and funds, aims to provide professional badminton training while promoting health, discipline, and sportsmanship. PSB will operate in major cities including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, NCR, Pune, Mysuru, Jaipur, Dehradun, Coimbatore, and others. It targets 250 centres by 2027 to champion “Badminton for All”


The school is mentored by none other than Prakash Padukone, former world No. 1 and All England Champion, making it a significant milestone in Indian badminton.

“As someone who grew up playing badminton…’
Marking the personal and professional celebration, Deepika took to social media to share a heartfelt note along with a picture of her and her father. “As someone who grew up playing badminton, I’ve experienced firsthand how much this sport can shape one’s life physically, mentally, and emotionally,” she wrote. Through PSB, she hopes to “bring the joy and discipline of badminton to people from all walks of life” and inspire a generation that is healthier and more focused.


Deepika Joins Atlee–Allu Arjun’s Magnum Opus
On professional front, Deepika Padukone is set to star in director Atlee’s upcoming project, AA22 x A6, alongside Telugu superstar Allu Arjun. This marks Deepika’s first foray into South Indian cinema and the first collaboration among the trio. The announcement video, released by Sun Pictures on June 7, generated major buzz across social media platforms, with the studio welcoming Deepika as 'The Queen.'


Meanwhile, Deepika Padukone's previous hit film was the Prabhas starrer ‘Kalki 2898 AD,’ which also had Amitabh Bachchan in a pivotal role. Deepika was also seen together with Hrithik Roshan in the aerial action flick ‘Fighter'.